Commencement Ceremony Class of 2019 - Saint Leo University PDFs and...4 Commencement Ceremony Bagpipers Faculty Marshal Dr. Moneque Walker-Pickett Professor of Criminal Justice Processional

Commencement CeremonyClass of 2019

Saturday, April 27, 2019, 9:00 a.m.Florida State FairgroundsTampa, Florida

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Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D.President of Saint Leo University

President’s Message

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, special guests, faculty and staff,

and all of our graduates, I would like to welcome you to Saint Leo

University’s 2019 commencement ceremony. Today is a highly

anticipated occasion for all those who are a part of the Saint Leo community.

Commencement celebrates the hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance of

our graduates. While today marks the end of our time together as students

and educators, it also symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in our

graduates’ lives. The completion of one’s college degree is truly a significant

accomplishment.

At Saint Leo University, our mission is to educate graduates who are critical

thinkers and responsible citizens of the world. The students receiving degrees

today have completed a rigorous course of study and now stand ready to make

a difference in their careers and their communities. The possibilities for their

futures are limitless, and we are excited to see all they will accomplish with

their education.

As they move toward a new future, our graduates can be assured that

Saint Leo support and encouragement will continue throughout their lives.

Today they officially become members of a closely connected alumni body

that numbers more than 93,000 and embraces Saint Leo core values in all that

they do. Wherever our graduates go from here, they will always have a home

in their alma mater, Saint Leo University.

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Saint Leo University is a Catholic, liberal arts-based

university serving people of all faiths. Rooted in the 1,500-year-

old Benedictine tradition, the university seeks balanced growth

in mind, body, and spirit for all members of its community. At

University Campus, at education centers, and through the Center

for Online Learning, Saint Leo University offers a practical,

effective model for life and leadership in a challenging world; a

model based on a steadfast moral consciousness that recognizes

the dignity, value, and gifts of all people.

To accomplish its mission, the university community

creates a student-centered environment in which the love of

learning is of prime importance. Members of the community

are expected to examine and express their own values, listen

respectfully to and respond to the opinions of others, serve the

community in which they live, welcome others into their lives,

and care for all of God’s creations.

Mission Statement

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Value Statements

Excellence—Saint Leo University is an educational enterprise. All of us, individually and collectively, work hard to ensure that our students develop the character, learn the skills and assimilate the knowledge essential to become morally responsible leaders. The success of our university depends upon a conscientious commitment to our mission, vision, and goals.

Community—Saint Leo University develops hospitable Christian learning communities everywhere we serve. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to change, and to serve.

Respect—Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals’ unique talents, respect their dignity, and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. Our community’s strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people, on the free exchange of ideas, and on learning, living, and working harmoniously.

Personal Development—Saint Leo University stresses the development of every person’s mind, spirit, and body for a balanced life. All members of the Saint Leo University community must demonstrate their commitment to personal development to help strengthen the character of our community.

Responsible Stewardship—Our Creator blesses us with an abundance of resources. We foster a spirit of service to employ our resources to university and community development. We must be resourceful. We must optimize and apply all of the resources of our community to fulfill Saint Leo University’s mission and goals.

Integrity—The commitment of Saint Leo University to excellence demands that its members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge to be honest, just, and consistent in word and deed.

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Commencement Ceremony

Bagpipers

Faculty MarshalDr. Moneque Walker-Pickett

Professor of Criminal Justice

Processional (Please stand)Rose Rood, College of Arts and Sciences

Randawnique Coakley, Tapia College of BusinessVincia Mitchell, College of Education and Social Services

Michayne Stoney, representing the Center for Online Learning

Invocation (Please remain standing)Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B. ’57

Trustee, Saint Leo University

Presentation of ColorsSaint Leo ROTC

National AnthemSenior Ensemble (Class of 2019 graduates)

Kellie Bertram, Cynnique Johnson, Eddie Gemma, Jarred Pernier, Rose Rood, Cameron Wallace

Board of Trustees Welcome (Please be seated)Mrs. Mary O’Keefe ’76

Board Chair, Saint Leo University

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President’s WelcomeDr. Jeffrey D. SeneseUniversity President

Introduction of Honorary Degree Recipient and Commencement Speaker

Mr. Peter Biscardi ’70Trustee, Saint Leo University

Commencement AddressThe Honorable Lynn Tepper

Former Circuit Judge, 6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Introduction of Graduate SpeakerDr. Robyn Parker

Dean, Tapia College of Business

Class of 2019 FarewellMs. Melissa Perry

Master of Accounting

Introduction of University Campus SpeakerDr. Robyn Parker

Class of 2019 FarewellMs. Juliette Stratis

Bachelor of Arts: Communication Management

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Presentation of the CandidatesDr. Mary Spoto, Vice President of Academic AffairsDr. Robyn Parker, Dean, Tapia College of Business

Conferring of DegreesDr. Jeffrey D. Senese

Turning of the Tassels and Alumni WelcomeMr. “Jody” Allan Luihn ’83Trustee, Saint Leo University

Closing StatementsDr. Jeffrey D. Senese

Alma Mater (Please stand)Senior Ensemble

BenedictionMrs. Mary B. Arnheiter Palazzo ’72

Trustee, Saint Leo University

Recessional

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Lynn Tepper, J.D.Former Judge, 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida

For three decades, the Honorable Lynn Tepper served as a Circuit Judge in the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where she sat in all divisions but primarily handled all eastern Pasco County (FL) cases involving child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and family and juvenile delinquency. Prior to her election, Tepper served as an elected County Judge for four years in Pasco County.

Throughout her career, Tepper has been an advocate for families, transforming her courtroom to better accommodate their needs. In 2001, she presided over the first Unified Family Court in Dade City, funded by a Florida Supreme Court grant. A Unified Family Court centers its operations around the needs of families, no matter which jurisdictional courthouse they enter. From 2012 to 2018, her court was one of only six in the nation to be selected by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) to implement Project ONE, a trauma-informed Unified Family Court.

Tepper’s experience and expertise in handling domestic cases has garnered much attention, bringing in observers from across the nation and as far as Saudi Arabia to discern her practices. She has made appearances on several television programs—from a segment on ABC News’ Nightline called “Is Abuse an Excuse,” to a documentary on human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area, produced by WEDU-PBS.

Tepper has dedicated her time to several committees and task forces, some of which include the Florida Supreme Court steering committee on families and children in courts and The Florida Bar Commission on the Legal Needs of Children.

In recognition of her efforts, Tepper has received commendations from two Supreme Court chief justices. She is also the recipient of numerous awards, some of which include the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Association of Community Corrections, the Humanitarian Hope Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Pasco County, and the James “Bud” Elliott Award from the East Pasco Bar Association.

Tepper earned her Juris Doctor in 1977 from Stetson University College of Law at Gulfport, FL, and her bachelor’s degree in 1974 from Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY.

Commencement Speaker

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Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates

Associate Degrees

Molly Marie FehlbergLiberal Arts

Matthew Tyler Anthony HerathLiberal Arts

Bachelor’s Degrees

Krista Marie Abel*Psychology: Developmental

Demian M. Ago-StallworthInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Anthony Thomas Agovino**Criminal Justice: Homeland Security

Essa Nasser Al-BaderManagement

Jacqueline Frances AlbertInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Lora Rae Alejandro**History

Adam David AlexanderMultimedia Management

Anthony W. Alexander*Psychology: Clinical & Counseling

Emily D. Alfaya-LazoPolitical Science

Sierre Lashawn AllenCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Salem Hamad Al-Mannai*Computer Information Systems

Jabir AlmarriAccounting

Abdulla Adel AlmuhannadiManagement

Hamad Khalifa Al-NaimiCybersecurity

Zeida AlvarezPolitical Science

Noemi N. Anaya*Marketing

Chevon Antonio ArcherComputer Science: Information Assurance

Nathalie ArguetaPolitical Science

Alejandro Carlos ArizaAccounting

Savannah Noel Arseneau*Psychology: Clinical & Counseling

Naadirah AustinCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Teddy AuyomaSociology: Diversity & Inequality

Bruno Babic*Accounting

Kay Frances BarnleyCriminal Justice

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Taylor William BauerCybersecurity

Destiny Chinue Bionea BayleyBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Alyssa Louise BayliffManagement

Emilee Celeste Beard*Criminal Justice

Stephanie Christina BeaverSocial Work

Amanda Beck*History

Eric Matthew BeechenMathematicsHonors Program

Jamar T. BelizaireCommunication Management

Trevor BendertAccounting

Savannah Ariana Patricia BendikPsychology: Developmental

Cody James BenedictMarketing

Kellie Bertram**Psychology: Developmental

Billy BiyomboManagement

Genesis Jose Blanco CastilloSport Business

Oscar Gerardo Bogran MejiaManagement

Jaclyn BokowskyCriminal Justice

Tara Rose BoornazianMarketing

Ryan L. BourdeauSport Business

Shawn D. BoyleMultimedia ManagementHonors Program

Nicholas Elijah BradburnCriminal Justice

Julia Lauren BrooksMarketing

Lauren J. Broom*Criminal Justice: Criminalistics

Elizabeth Rosalie BrownManagement

Harrison Pierce BrownComputer Science: Information Assurance

Lacey Elizabeth BrownPsychology: Clinical & Counseling

Patrick Henry Venn Brown*Computer Science: Information Assurance

Teaya Brown-StackerMultimedia Management

Andrew Scott BuckAccounting

*Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude**Magna Cum Laude

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Miranda Martha Ann BurkePsychology

Alvaro J. CallejaPolitical Science

Geoffrey Andrew CallowayManagement

Haley Blatchford CampbellPsychology: Developmental

Ryan Patrick CampbellCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Sarah Gabriella Castaneda**Criminal Justice

Daniel Alejandro Chacon OliverosSport Business

Alyss Brianne CharronPsychology: Clinical & Counseling

Michelle Diane ChartersMarketing

Austin Michael ChiavaroliBiology: Ecology

Matthew John ChikerotisMultimedia Management

Athena ChildersCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Julia Emilia Chmielewska***Marketing

Delaney Marguerite Chrisco*Marketing

Kaitlyn Renee Christie*Elementary Education

Quincy Lamar ClaittPsychology: Clinical & Counseling

Amanda J. Clay*Criminal Justice: Criminalistics

Matthew Allen Clime*Criminal Justice: Homeland Security

Randawnique Coakley***Accounting & EconomicsHonors Program

Brett Ryan CoffelSport Business

Tiffani Ann Colbert***History

Jason Steve ColeCriminal Justice

Mikayla M. CollinsPsychology: Clinical & Counseling

Joanna Marie Compton-Mys*Elementary Education

Jennifer Marie ConnellManagement

Taylor Lorraine ConstantinoElementary Education

Kevin Taylor ConwayCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Stephen A. CorradoHistory

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Michael William CosmaiSport Business

Meghan Frith CotePsychology

Daniel Anthony CotoiaSport Business

Trace Stanley CraigEnglish: Professional Writing

Nadia CrawfordMarketing

Mariangela Crocitto**English: Professional Writing & Political Science

Avis Armani CruzCriminal Justice

Mary Angelica CruzPsychology

Alena CullinaneAccounting

Kyle CurabbaManagement

Ryleigh Nicole D’Ambrosio**Psychology

Megan E. DammermanMathematics

Ce’Darius DanforthCriminal Justice

Christopher James DanielloCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Victoria DarganPsychology

Jonathan DavisManagement

Vanna Elizabeth DavisHealth Care Management

Clark A. de BulletManagement

Claire Jeanne d’Arc de Souza*Criminal Justice: Homeland Security

Dwanasha Princess Decosta*Management

Lisa Maria DefreitasPsychology

Kaitlin Marie DeJesusBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Jason DelaneyComputer Science: Information Assurance

Riche Darrian DeleveauxBiology: Biomedical & Health SciencesHonors Program

Stephanie DetresPolitical Science

Haydn Dickinson*Criminal Justice

Jessica Diokno*Psychology

Amy Kate DipiazzaBiology: Ecology



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Georgia Jean DobellAccounting

Lucas Marques DolloffHealth Care Management

Estela M. DominguezBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Carla G. DonaldsonEnglish with an Education Minor

Peter C. DonaldsonElementary Education

Kellie Angelini DoveMarketing

Shyanne Renea DuBois*Marketing

Emma Lee Duncan*Elementary Education

Lily Gia DuongBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Vinh Quang DuongManagement

Carlos Andres EcheverryCybersecurity

Jacqueline Nicole EhingerCriminal Justice: Criminalistics & Psychology

Drake D. EmersonHistory

Thavail A. EnglandBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Matthew Tyler ErcolinoCriminal Justice

Sarah Michaelina FaganMarketing

Kai Matthew Fariss*Criminal Justice

Travis Justin FarmerCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Shaquanee’ S. Fenton***Criminal Justice

Leslie Ann FergusonBiology: Ecology

Anthony Thomas FerraraManagement

Jennifer Fields***Criminal Justice: CriminalisticsHonors Program

Natalia Nicole FigueroaEnglish: Professional Writing

Monica Figueroa SantosCybersecurity

Kiersten E. FinchEnglish: Professional Writing

Skyler FecknerMathematics

Vashaad Gordon FincherComputer Science: Information Assurance

Collin Jackson FlahertyCriminal Justice: Homeland Security


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Melanie A. FleuryHealth Care Management

Thomas FogelSocial Work

Simone Zuri Ford-HarsPsychology

Chynna-Rose Marie FoulkesHealth Care Management

Marvin FrancisPolitical Science

Renee Alison FrancoisComputer Information Systems

Sierra J. FreemanManagement

Sean Patrick GannonCriminal Justice

Jose Adolfo GarciaSport Business

Jasmine GarnickiCriminal Justice

Madeleine Renee GauthierSport Business

Kaitlyn GeddesEnglish with an Education Minor

Edward James Gemma IIPolitical Science

Ryan Girard*Sport Business

Julissa Janel GonzalezCriminal Justice

Eli Hunkins GossSport Business

Kaidi J. GrabiakManagement

Katherine M. GranjaInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Daniel Lawrence GravesCybersecurity

Joseph Julian GreeneCriminal Justice

Kathleen E. GreenleafCriminal Justice

Mauricea GregoryCriminal Justice

Thomas Grinberg*Economics

Taylor Christine Grishaber*Criminal Justice: Homeland Security

David E. Guadarrama*Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor

Ariana Maliyah GunterPsychology

Ariana GutierrezCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Dillon M. HaasEnglish: Professional Writing



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Alicia Tashanna Hall**Criminal Justice: Criminalistics

Montre HallSport Business

Rebecca Caroline Halley**Elementary Education

Shelby Morgan HansonMultimedia Management

Ryan Thomas Haug**Cybersecurity

Kemari HayesMarketing

Gary HectorCriminal Justice

Shadae Hector*Mathematics

Cynthia M. HernandezSocial Work

Gabriel Omar HernandezSport Business

Tatiana HernandezCriminal Justice

Kadie Christina Hoffman*Elementary Education

Brandon Hohimer*Computer Science: Information Assurance

Joshua Phillip HoltonAccounting

Makito Hoshino*Global Studies

Rebecca Sing Ping Hugh*Marketing

Kiely T. HuynhEnglish: Theatre

Analiese C. IannoneSocial Work

Alec V. IannuzziPsychology: Clinical & Counseling

Rocco IervasiSport Business

Brie JacinthPsychology

Heather Lynn Jacobs**Psychology

Tiffany D. JacobsSport Business

Luca JanssenManagement

Glenn Renato JayCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Anaelle Gabrielle JeromeMarketing

Cynnique Nalean JohnsonBiology: Biomedical & Health SciencesHonors Program

Kenton JohnsonSport Business


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Mackenzie E. JonesSocial Work

Kevin Nobert JosephBiology: Biomedical & Health SciencesHonors Program

Alyssa Marie KarlEnglish with an Education Minor

Beau Gabriel Kary**Sport Business

Peyton Leighann KeithMultimedia Management

DeAndre Dominique KingSport Business

Jerrod Alan Klein**Sociology: Applied & Clinical

Stanley Kane KlimczakHealth Care Management

Kevin Andrew Knibbs*Elementary Education

Simon Christoffer Knutsson*Marketing

Joshua KokaiselCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Karina KolbMarketing

Alexandra A. KoufasCriminal Justice

Tanner KruisComputer Information Systems

Alyssa M. KunzingerMathematics

Charles Orland KurtenbachSport Business

John KusmaulMathematics

Dominic Anthony LaganaInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Natalie LagneseInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Amber Lee LarsonMiddle Grades Education: Social Science

Angela L. Lazzaro***Psychology

Eric J. LeeBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Johnmichael LeeCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

David S. Lehr*Religion

Joshua Paul LelesEnglish: Professional Writing

Chloe Elizabeth LelliottHealth Care Management

Courtney Elizabeth LevittSport Business

Kelci Lee Lewis*Accounting



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Ekaila S. Lindquist***Psychology

Marissa LininsMarketing

Veronica Londono**PsychologyHonors Program

Jerry Rubens LorseilleAccounting

Amanda Anne LuceMathematicsHonors Program

Samantha LuqueCommunication & Multimedia Management

James F. MacdonaldSocial Work

John Graham MacdonaldHistory

Tracey-Marie Alana Macleavy*Computer Science: Information AssuranceHonors Program

Sabrina MaffiaPsychology: Developmental

Jamye B. MalloryComputer Science: Information Assurance

Nicholas MarchittoMarketing

Dominique B. MartinHealth Care Management

Kaylee R. Martin*Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry MinorHonors Program

Sidney Taylor MartinEconomics

Cristian MartinezCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Mikaela Emily Masa**Criminal Justice: Homeland Security

Alexandra MassoEnglish: Literary Studies

Alexandra Grace MattocksBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Austyn Lynne Mattson***Criminal Justice: Criminalistics

Kyle McCarthySport Business

Torie Anne McCorkleHistory

Ciara Quinn McCoy**Marketing & Multimedia Management

Grant Blake McDanielEconomics

Maeisha Moneike McDermottBiology: Biomedical & Health SciencesHonors Program

Derick Brian McIntosh*Accounting & Economics


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Anayah McKenzieMathematics

Martina Yolanda McKoyPsychology

Breonna McMillerSport Business

Alyssa Cecilia McNamara*Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor

Kaitlyn A. McWilliamsBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor

Danielle Meikle**Biology: Biomedical & Health SciencesHonors Program

Teresa Marie MenendezManagement

Maria C. MillerEnglish: Literary Studies

Samantha P. MillirenSport Business

Savannah Lynn MitchellSport Business

Vincia Evanece Mitchell***Social WorkHonors Program

Alison MittsBiology

Hamad MohammedComputer Information Systems

Monica M. MolinaManagement

Carlos Javier MoncayoMarketing

Ashley MontasCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Christian A. MooreSport Business

Justin Richard MooreCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Collin MoranEnglish: Professional Writing

Jared Thomas MorelloManagement

Kayla Elizabeth MorganCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Giovanni MorinaMarketing

Ashley Jane MorrisSport Business

Auria Morgan MountsCriminal Justice

Julio Cesar MunozPolitical Science

Brianna Barbara MurphyCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Pape Maguette NgomSport Business



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Kristina Marie Niccolls**Economics

Ryan Hansen NolanAccounting & Management

Kingsley Chukwudum Nwosu***Computer Science: Information Assurance

Liam Louis O’BrienInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Richard Orestes OcampoEnglish: Theatre

Matthew OchoaMarketing

Liam Joesph O’ConnorManagement

Francis OrtizCybersecurity

Elizabeth Ann Ottati*Marketing

Julia Maura Jeanne Owens***Marketing

Janice E. Padilla*Religion

Daniella PanamenoPsychology

Cameron David ParisiComputer Science: Information Assurance

Kira Elizabeth Parisi**Computer Science: Information Assurance

Joaquin PeluffoSport Business

Vincent James PensabeneSport Business

Kayla Ashton-Marie PereiraCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Christian Hemel PerezPsychology: Clinical & Counseling

Laura V. Perez*Management

Jarred K. PernierCommunication Management

Olivia G. Phillips*Marketing

Natalia Emma Piatkowski-BihorelSocial Work

Kevin Pidany*Criminal Justice

Darnell T. PittsSport Business

Aaron Christopher PorteeCriminal Justice: Homeland Security

Betsy PosadasManagement & Marketing

Demarius A. PottsSocial Work

Nina M. ProtchCriminal Justice: Criminalistics


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Kaylynn Elvira PurdySocial Work

Sergio Devin QuijanoManagement

Jazmin Renee Rampassard**Psychology: Clinical & CounselingHonors Program

Kailee Regina Raptis-Wanek**Elementary Education

Tiffani Michelle ReesBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Neely I. ReganSport Business

Nicole Rosa RenaudManagement

Samantha RenickerCybersecurity

Shelby Jane RexrothSocial Work

Dahlia RhodenBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Tanner E. RhodenMarketing

Carlous RhodesSocial Work

Marie RichardsBiology: Ecology

Shariffa Tiffany Abby-G RichardsonMarketing

Gabriel Cullen RiddlePsychology: Clinical & Counseling

Kaylee Sue RitzenthalerBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor

Christopher Isaiah RiveraPsychology

Diana Rivera*Management

Marisa Marie RiveraMarketing

Raymond RiveraPsychology

Oliver Prewitt RobertsSocial Work

Jonathan Joseph RodriguezReligion

Tamara R. RodriguezSport Business

Matthew Roe-FarrellSport Business

Sarah Lucille RolfesInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Savanna Lee RonkPsychology

Rose Marie Rood*** SociologyHonors Program

Mariam RoqueBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences



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Sean Christopher RossMarketing

Asia A. RoysterPsychology

Wanit Ruekit**Biology

Brandysha K. RussellBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Mitchell Robert Ryals*Computer Science: Information Assurance

Mikhaela K. SaavedraSocial Work

David SaloneAccounting

Sienna Asia SamarooManagement

Kristin T. Sanchez*Criminal Justice & Psychology

Jack SantacroceHealth Care Management

Adnan SatorManagement

Thomas S. Sayers*Criminal Justice: Homeland Security

Christopher Dale ScarfoglieroManagement

John Thomas SchellenbergComputer Information Systems

Daniel Brian SchonbornSport Business

Joshua Joseph ScottEnglish: Theatre

Christopher Julian ScribnerMultimedia Management

Bryant Searcy Jr.Sport Business

Breanna A. Seenath*Psychology: Developmental

Kathleen R. ShannonInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Madison Renee ShannonMarketing

Xavier L. Shipman*Criminal Justice

Brittany Kayla Shoemaker*Criminal Justice: Criminalistics

Camila A. SilvaMarketing

Berlin SimpliceSport Business

Acia Anise SmithCriminal Justice

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Smith**Social Work

Katieri Tanelle SmithBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences


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Stetson J. Snead*English: Professional WritingHonors Program

Jaclyn SottilaroCybersecurity

Antonina J. SpinellaCybersecurity

Elena StephensonCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Michayne Alexis Stoney*Biology: Biomedical & Health SciencesHonors Program

John StratisComputer Science: Information Assurance

Juliette StratisCommunication Management

Kadyann Latoya Audrey Stupart**Computer Science: Information AssuranceHonors Program

Emily SturgeonCriminal Justice: Criminalistics

Natasha I. SudsburyBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Vincent SuillerotEconomics

Anna-Marie TamayoManagement

Jordan Ryan TaylorMultimedia Management

Julian Taylor*Sport Business

Jose I. Tejo***Management

Kali Kenesha ThompsonBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Mitchelle Anthonya Thurston*International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Michael TinariCriminal Justice

Laura Joan TobinMarketing

Megan Ann Todaro***Criminal Justice: Criminalistics

Maria Isabel TorresCriminal Justice

Katelynn Alexandra TowneMathematics

Alejandro TrejosCriminal Justice

Audrey Rose Trevino**Social Work

Maftunabonu TuhtasinovaInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Payton Madison Turner*Psychology: Clinical & Counseling

Sydney Eileen TurnerInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management



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Michelle D. UngerElementary Education

Raymond Anthony Urbaniak***English: Literary StudiesHonors Program

Erica Catherine ValdesCriminal Justice

Giscard D. Valles*Accounting

Natalie Ann VasquezInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Giulia Rose VastanoInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Samuel Epifanio VelascoPolitical Science

Alexandra VelezManagement

Kristin L. VitaglianoBiology: Biomedical & Health SciencesHonors Program

Kevin Thomas Waitkevich***Biology

Cameron Eugene WallaceSociology

Mikaylah WalstadHealth Care Management

Alyssa J. WashHealth Care Management

Latasha Monay WashingtonMarketing & Multimedia Management

Hannah Grace WatkinsElementary Education

Kimberly Cherie Wean**Psychology: Developmental

Jessica WeaverMarketingHonors Program

Crystal Faith Webster*Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Austin Tyler WentzManagement

Theobald Zacharia WeriaMathematics

Lauren Ann WhitleyMarketing

Abigail WigginsBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Allesia Annakay WilliamsCriminal Justice

Michael N. WilliamsMultimedia Management

Rachel Lynn WilliamsInternational Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management

Romario Roneil Williams***Computer Science: Information Assurance

Wendy Leeanne WilliamsSocial Work


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Erica Marie WinnEnglish: Professional Writing

Kristin Marie WohlfarthComputer Science: Information Assurance

Jokorria Clarice WrightComputer Science: Information Assurance

Kenneth Bryant Wummel*Psychology: Clinical & Counseling

Diamond Alexis WychePsychology

Sidnee YaegerAccounting

Yuga YanagisawaManagement

Lorenzo YordanBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor

Katelyn Helen YoungBiology: Biomedical & Health Sciences

Ali Ahmad ZainelCybersecurity

Master’s Degrees

Aimeed Acevedo-AquinoBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Candelaria AcostaBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Muhammad Ilham AdityanugrohoBusiness Administration: Data Analytics

John Michael AgnelloBusiness Administration: Project Management

Evelyn AguasvivasBusiness Administration: Marketing

Mohanad Al AzawiBusiness Administration: Project Management

Tariq Faisal Al BqureBusiness Administration

Yazan Faisal Al BqureBusiness Administration

Yarden E. AlfonsoCybersecurity

Peter W. AlmeidaBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management & Project Management

Bradley Scott AlmsAccounting

Abdulaziz Mabrowk AlsahafiBusiness Administration

Josue Arturo AlvarezBusiness Administration

Brittney Devon AndersonBusiness Administration: Project Management

Mary AndrewsBusiness Administration

Dzindzi Marguerite Asamoah-WadeBusiness Administration: Project Management

Matheus Costa AssisBusiness Administration: Sport Business



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Kelly E. BareBusiness Administration: Accounting

Danielle BealAccounting

Rodrigo Antonio Bello DelgadoBusiness Administration

Kourtney BerryBusiness Administration: Marketing

Luis Fernando BetancurBusiness Administration: Marketing & Project Management

Jessica Teresa BooherBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Ashley BosquesBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Kristin M. BouletteBusiness Administration: Marketing & Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics

Kelly Keoni BoyntonBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Steven Michael BrinerBusiness Administration

Marshon L. BroomerBusiness Administration

Conrad BrownBusiness Administration: Information Security Management

Elizabeth BrownBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Jacquelyn Mary BrownBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Jessica Elaine BrownAccounting

Altea BurrillBusiness Administration

Chantel Tishaun CainesBusiness Administration: Marketing

Eric CalabreseBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Brandy S. CalandroBusiness Administration

Joshua Ross CarpenterCybersecurity

Jasmine CarsonBusiness Administration: Cybersecurity Management

Karina CastroBusiness Administration

Daniel Craig ChaffmanCybersecurity

Jasmine Leah CharltonBusiness Administration: Project Management

Amber Denise ChenevertBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Stephen Alexander ChurchCybersecurity

Donald CochranBusiness Administration

Sean ColinBusiness Administration


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Anthony CoxBusiness Administration

Teegra CrossBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Tyronza Chambria CrusawBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Karlee A. CunninghamBusiness Administration: Data Analytics

Dusti D. CurryBusiness Administration: Project Management

Wilfredo DavilaBusiness Administration

Kimberly D. De Los SantosBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

VanEssa Del ValleBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Terry DelancyBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Amanda Dawn DempseyBusiness Administration

John Joseph DennettCybersecurity

Kerline DesirBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Kristin Lorene DineBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Yvonne Trang DinhBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Nataliya DoveAccounting

Nicholas DrudaCybersecurity

Elizabeth Noble DruryBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Diamy G. DuntonBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Dolores EchavarriaBusiness Administration: Marketing

W. Mark EllwoodBusiness Administration: Data Analytics

Tarria L. EppsBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Natasha FerrerBusiness Administration: Social Media Marketing

Joshua Lee FidlerBusiness Administration: Project Management

Luis V. FigueroaBusiness Administration: Project Management

Christopher S. FilsBusiness Administration

Radoslaw Alexander FlorczakBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Mannix M. Flores-CruzBusiness Administration: Project Management

Katherine FreemanBusiness Administration



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Kala FunderburkBusiness Administration: Social Media Marketing

Natalie Jane GagnonBusiness Administration

Kerly A. GalindoBusiness Administration: Marketing

Candace Natasha GallegosBusiness Administration

Heather Marie GalvinBusiness Administration: Marketing

Cameka GardnerBusiness Administration

Felisha GeneusBusiness Administration: Marketing

Cameron M. GilliamBusiness Administration: Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics

Mahogany Jenea GissendannerBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Demetra GizasBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Brittney M. GoughBusiness Administration

Chaleak Cierra GrierBusiness Administration: Sport Business

Timothy J. GudeBusiness Administration

Meghan GundlachBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Holly GylesBusiness Administration: Marketing

Richard GylesBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Sophia M. HainesCybersecurity

Julia HamiltonBusiness Administration: Sport Business

Henry Ray HarrisBusiness Administration: Sport Business

Justin Robert HarrisBusiness Administration: Marketing

Philio Octavius HarrisBusiness Administration

Stella HarrisBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Stephen William HartleyBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Alexis Nesbitt HarveyBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Miranda Christian HendersonBusiness Administration: Project Management

Cynthia R. HicksBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

James Lee HinesBusiness Administration: Project Management

Kristiana HinschAccounting


27

Demetria L. HolleyBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Kerry HollomanBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Michael Thomas HolmesBusiness Administration

Kelsey McIntosh HopeBusiness Administration: Sport Business

Leche HopkinsBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Kristopher Edward HortonBusiness Administration: Project Management

Brandon Lee HowleBusiness Administration

Cherrisa Coscia HuletBusiness Administration

Wendy Ann HulmeBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

David B. HuntCybersecurity

Tristin Terrence Eric HuntCybersecurity

Tracy Scholl IngramBusiness Administration

Rebecca InmanBusiness Administration

Latifa Jamila JacksonBusiness Administration: Project Management

Yalonda Jackson-MassillonBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Andrea Mitchell Jean-GillesBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Jimmy L. JenkinsBusiness Administration

Anevia Takia JohnsonBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Shavonne Domonique JonesAccounting

Shivam Ghanshyam JoshiBusiness Administration

Christie JulesBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Yvonne M. Kelly MontellBusiness Administration: Health Care Management & Project Management

Nicholas R. KempBusiness Administration

Slawomir KepaBusiness Administration: Project Management

Alexandra KonstantinouBusiness Administration: Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics

Laurent KuenzleBusiness Administration: Data Analytics

Zrng Ali KurdiBusiness Administration

Tanyeka L. LambertBusiness Administration: Sport Business



28

Adriana Vittoria LandrianBusiness Administration

Nicholas Robert LanniganBusiness Administration

Brandi LashBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Natalie LaukBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Gywanne Lee LeonardBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Earl Ra’sheve LevisonBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Dominique Darell LewisBusiness Administration

Adonis L. LindseyBusiness Administration

Nancy C. LittleBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Leroy LopezBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Joseph LuihnBusiness Administration

Maddison Louise MarshalseaBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Jennifer L. MartinoAccounting

Heather Mae McCartyBusiness Administration: Marketing

Robert Charles McMullinBusiness Administration

Alicia Nieta McQueenBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Ingrid L. Medina RiveraBusiness Administration: Social Media Marketing

Stacey Michelle MedlockBusiness Administration

Laura MehilliBusiness Administration: Accounting

Peter David MerolaCybersecurity

Daniel Scott MetzAccounting

James C. MillerBusiness Administration: Data Analytics & Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics

Jay Alan MillerBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Lindsey MillerBusiness Administration: Marketing

Karyn MnassaBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Isamar MontanezBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Amber MooreBusiness Administration: Sport Business

Brittany MooreBusiness Administration: Project Management


29

Kelly Royle MooreBusiness Administration: Accounting & Health Care Management

Christina Maria MorataBusiness Administration: Project Management

Linda Lee MoyerBusiness Administration: Sport Business

Zenith Zeenat NanavatiBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Africana NewsonBusiness Administration

Felicia NielsenBusiness Administration: Project Management

Ryan Thomas NoblittBusiness Administration: Project Management

Bianca NovotnaBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Tolulope Michael OgunsolaCybersecurity

Ana Cristal OlascoagaBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

William T. OoleyBusiness Administration

Ivin Varughese OomenBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Roberto OteroBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Priscilla L. OverstreetBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Denise Helen Pantin-LunsfordAccounting

Laurie-Ann ParkerBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Pastor Jesus PerezBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Eric PerronBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Melissa PerryAccounting

Geoffrey PierretBusiness Administration: Marketing

Joseph PinzonBusiness Administration

Marie Claire PorterBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Rose G. PriceBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Maheera RahmanBusiness Administration

Kristina J. ReddingBusiness Administration: Accounting

Megan Anne ReevesBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Stephanie Marie RicciBusiness Administration: Social Media Marketing

Lisa D. RichardsonBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management



30

Kyle RitsemaBusiness Administration: Accounting & Project Management

Brandon Michael RiveraBusiness Administration

David RiveraBusiness Administration: Project Management

Jean RobinsonBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Alberto RodriguezBusiness Administration

Consuelo RodriguezAccounting

Haley Rose RoussellBusiness Administration: Social Media Marketing

Michael Robert RudmanBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Lashawn N. RushBusiness Administration: Marketing

Diana Marcela Saavedra PuinBusiness Administration

Debra SandersBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Swathi SaradhaCybersecurity

Michael James SarageBusiness Administration: Sport Business

Vanessa SefriouBusiness Administration: Marketing

Kieves L. ShelbyBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Joshua Joseph SickingerBusiness Administration

Virginia SigleBusiness Administration: Project Management

Katrina Brooke SilverBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Sabia Janae SimmsBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Curtis Thomas SmithBusiness Administration

Raheem SmithBusiness Administration: Accounting

Richard Leon SmithBusiness Administration: Data Analytics

William Joseph SnipesBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Sandra St. LouisBusiness Administration: Marketing

Antoine Laurent StatenBusiness Administration

Raydell StevensonBusiness Administration

Kenneth Stalter StowellAccounting

Jill Jerose StudstrupBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management


31*Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude**Magna Cum Laude

Jamille Alexandra SuarezBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Racquel SullivanCybersecurity

Brandy Marie TaylorBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Chauvon Taylor Business Administration: Project Management

April TeamerBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Kathleen TeskeBusiness Administration

Catherine ThompsonBusiness Administration

Sydni Frances TieslerBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Kathleen McMahon Tillett Business Administration: Accounting

Nitty Carolina TorresBusiness Administration: Data Analytics

Rodrigo Alfonso TorresBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Alexandre Viana TreinBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Edward Charles TwyfordBusiness Administration: Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics

Shenell Latoya TysonCybersecurity

Jasmine UllysseBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Karen E. Varga-SinkaBusiness Administration: Marketing

Isaach William VelascoBusiness Administration: Marketing

Aquiles Ramon VelasquezBusiness Administration

Diana VenturaBusiness Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management

Venant VictorAccounting

Daniel VinesBusiness Administration

Robert Charles WadeBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Sylvia Denise WarrenBusiness Administration

Andrew WattsBusiness Administration: Health Care Management

Megan WhalenBusiness Administration: Marketing

Neil S. WilliamsBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Sean D. WilliamsBusiness Administration: Accounting

Sierra Redessa Raquel WilliamsBusiness Administration: Sport Business


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Tanisha Y. WilliamsBusiness Administration: Project Management

Natassia Renee WilsonBusiness Administration: Human Resource Management

Neoshia WilsonBusiness Administration

Gerard Daniel WiltshireBusiness Administration

Robert F. WindheimBusiness Administration: Accounting

Nicholas J. WolffBusiness Administration

Manuel YamboBusiness Administration

Adrienne YoungBusiness Administration

Julianne Nicole YoungAccounting

Christina Lynn YoungbloodBusiness Administration: Marketing & Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics

Omar Abdelmajed ZahranBusiness Administration

Doctorate Degrees

Tyler B. BergerBusiness Administration

Anthony Maurice Da SilvaBusiness Administration

Louis D’EliaBusiness Administration

Sarah DeonarinesinghBusiness Administration

David C. EsterBusiness Administration

Lisa Lorraine FreemanBusiness Administration

Ajay Joseph KoovackalBusiness Administration

Doris L. MorandBusiness Administration

Raymond Edward RhashBusiness Administration

Marc Michael ScavuzzoBusiness Administration


33

University Senior Leadership

Board of Trustees 2018-2019Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B., ’57

Peter Biscardi ’70

Noel Boeke

Cynthia Brannen ’92

Robert Cabot ’71, ’06

Right Reverend Isaac Camacho, O.S.B., ’95

Joseph P. Connellan ’85

Anthony J. Gerbino ’74

Richard W. Johnson ’68

Virginia M. Judge

Thamir A.R. Kaddouri Jr. ’94, secretary Paul H. Lehner, ’74

Terrence G. Linnert

Allan J. Luihn ’83

Nadeem Mazhar

Sheila M. McDevitt ’60

Joseph Anthony McGee

D. Dewey Mitchell, vice chair Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris ’79

Edwin Narain ’07, ’09

Laurie O’Donoghue

Mary O’Keefe ’76, chairJohn P. O’Leary ’83

Robert L. Padala ’73

Mary B. Arnheiter Palazzo ’72

Most Reverend Gregory Parkes

Thomas D. Peschio ’59

John R. Picciano ’69

Brian Quinn

William J. Reagan ’73

Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D., presidentKathryn Simpson ’06

Zenith Taylor ’88

Pat Thompson ’87

John E. View ’72

Administration Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D., presidentSenthil Kumar, D.B.A., vice president of University Campus Admissions and Center for Global EngagementDenny Moller, M.B.A., vice president of University Advancement & CommunicationsJohn Nisbet, M.B.A., M.S., vice president of Business Affairs/Chief Financial OfficerFrancis X. Reidy ’02, M.B.A., vice president and athletic director, Intercollegiate Athletics Christian Schindler, B.A., vice president of Marketing and EnrollmentJen Shaw, Ph.D., vice president of Student AffairsMary Spoto, Ph.D., vice president of Academic AffairsMelanie M. Storms, Psy.D., senior vice presidentMolly-Dodd Adams, M.B.A., ’12, special assistant to the president

Academic Deans Susan K. Kinsella, Ph.D., College of Education and Social ServicesHeather Parker, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences (interim)Robyn Parker, Ph.D., Tapia College of Business

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Saint Leo University’s governing board is a group of volunteers who exemplify the university’s six core values. They all give generously of their time, talent, and treasure to enhance the education that our students receive. This year, six board members have completed their terrns, and we thank them for their service.

Noel R. Boeke is considered one of the nation’s leading business attorneys and is a partner in the Tampa, FL, office of Holland & Knight LLP. He began his education at Northwestern University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and continued at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where he earned an MBA. Finally, he earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Georgia. It was during his seven years of service with the U.S. Navy, while in Virginia, that he first heard of Saint Leo and the reputation our education centers there enjoy with the armed forces. After relocating to Tampa, he learned more about Saint Leo, our Catholic roots, our commitment to educating principled leaders, and our military-supportive mission. He was willing to serve on our Board of Trustees as an expression of his own Catholic faith and in fellowship with our concern for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. His expertise in negotiating complex business dealings has served our governing board since he first began as a trustee in 2010.

Cynthia Brannen ’92 became a member of the Saint Leo community first as an exemplary college student who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English with highest honors. She went on to further study and became a college instructor in her beloved field, never forgetting her roots at Saint Leo. She first joined the Board of Trustees in the year 2000, serving through 2009, and helping to guide and encourage our institution as we constructed modern residence halls and built a new Student Community Center complex at University Campus. She returned as a trustee in 2010, after a break of only a year’s time, for another long period of service to the board, taking on even more responsibility and sharing with her colleagues her warmth, her wit, and her love of learning. She served as vice chair of the board from 2011 to 2013, and then as chair from 2013 to 2015. She remained on the Board of Trustees after completing her term as chair, and this year transitions into a well-deserved retirement.

Thamir A. R. Kaddouri Jr. ’94 is a Tampa area professional who has set an example by learning well the lessons of leadership and then applying that knowledge to help his alma mater. He attended Saint Leo College and earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1994. He was active in campus activities, as well, including Greek Life and student government. He was, in fact, president of the Student Government Association. He traveled to Boston for his legal education, and earned his juris doctor cum laude from Suffolk University Law School in 1999. He began his career at a midsize firm in Tampa, and eventually began his own firm, the Law Office of Thamir A.R. Kaddouri Jr. PA. He is recognized for his special aptitude in business law and civil litigation, including construction litigation. And as the principal of a law firm, he now employs other attorneys. His service to the board began in 2008, and has included several years of service as board secretary, from 2011 to 2013, from 2013 to 2015, from 2015 to 2017, and 2017 until this year.

Board of Trustees Update

35

Nadeem Mazhar is chief executive officer of Custom Technology Solutions (CTS), LLC in Houston. His company provides business clients with special assistance in anticipating complex issues that can detract from the effectiveness of their information technology and the successful operation of their business processes. The success of CTS reflects a deep understanding of the commercial applications of technology that is also an attribute of our trustee. He came to know Saint Leo through another supporter of the university who has been successful in the business world, and agreed in 2010 to lend his talents and skills to Saint Leo by serving on our Board of Trustees. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University.

Sheila M. McDevitt ’60 became an alumna with her graduation from the eighth grade of Holy Name Academy, a predecessor institution that existed for 75 years, and where the Benedictine Sisters of Florida educated young females. She went from there to academic and professional success, and eventually earned her undergraduate degree in political science and government from Florida State University, her law degree from Florida State University College of Law. Sheila went on to become one of Florida’s most respected business attorneys and executives. She began her career working with the Florida and Georgia state legislatures and spent 26 years at TECO Energy Inc., where she retired as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. After her retirement, she continued to practice business law at Akerman, LLP, and then in her own firm where she was also consulting with senior level executives in industry. Along with the demands of her career, she has devoted time and expertise to key advisory commissions in the legal world, and to boards of vital community nonprofits, such as the regional public television broadcaster. In particular, she has served the Zoo Tampa, the Florida Orchestra, and others. Her service on the Board of Trustees of Saint Leo University began in 1999; she served as vice chair of the board from 2003 to 2005, and then as chair from 2005 to 2007. She also served on the Florida Board of Governors of the State University System for seven years, and was also vice chair and chair during the same decade. She returned to Saint Leo as a trustee in 2010 for nine more years of service. Her intellect, her attention, her loyalty, and her personal generosity have made Saint Leo a stronger institution, for which we are all grateful.

Zenith Taylor ’88 enrolled at our predecessor institution, Saint Leo College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1988. Our alumna continued her studies in Washington, DC, at Howard University School of Law, where she earned the Juris Doctorate. She is a practicing attorney in New York City in Queens, where she operates her own firm. Much of her practice concentrates on elder law and family law, and her passion is serving her community. She believes in upholding the standards and the integrity of the law for the good of society, regardless of a client’s financial means. She is the president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens County, and is active in other professional groups. She joined a university advisory group, our President’s Council, in 2013, and continued through 2016. She became a trustee in 2016. We appreciate the time she has spent serving her alma mater and working for the betterment of society at large.

Board of Trustees Update

36

Academic Mace

Maces date to the Middle Ages and symbolize strength and authority. The university’s chief marshal, who leads

all academic processions, carries the mace. It is mounted on the stage when degrees are conferred.

The 60-inch ceremonial staff combines modern styling with elegant engraving representing the university’s traditions and origins. The staff is made of oak to symbolize the union of strength and endurance. The staff engraving reflects the artistic carving skills of the early Abbey monks and recalls the magnificently carved doors of the Abbey Church. The oak also symbolizes the stately oak trees that grace University Campus, prized for their beauty and color.

A globe of frosted glass sits atop the mace, prominently illustrating the university’s international richness and influence. Traditional and adult students of all ages, cultures, and experience are served by the university’s global mission at University Campus, 32 education centers and offices in seven states, and online throughout the world.

Below the globe is the Saint Leo seal, an official symbol of pride for nearly 60 years. Designed in the spring of 1961 by Father Bede Gale, the seal includes the Benedictine cross, a favorite symbol of the early Christians’ faith in Christ. St. Benedict had a deep faith in the cross and this special devotion was passed on to succeeding generations of Benedictines.

Six polished bronze rings grace the mace below the seal. Each ring is inscribed with one of Saint Leo’s core values: excellence, respect, community, personal development, integrity, and responsible stewardship. Rooted in Benedictine tradition, these values embody the very heart of Saint Leo University and its global mission.

Skillfully carved out of the oak wood, an infinity band adorns the circumference of the

staff representing the university’s continuous evolution in an ever-changing world. Saint Leo was a college from 1890 to 1920, a college preparatory academy from 1920 until 1964, and a college once again from 1959 to 1999. In 1999, as a reflection of the growth and progress of the institution, Saint Leo changed its name to “University,” and today serves students at University Campus, at education centers, and online. Saint Leo University will continue to

adapt in order to provide students around the world with an opportunity to receive a Saint Leo education.

Elegant orange blossoms are engraved in a repeating design at the middle of the staff. Oranges are a symbol of the agricultural history of Saint Leo and the origins of Saint Leo University’s official school colors, green and gold.

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Academic Costume

n medieval times, university students and teachers wore gowns indicating their status and scholastic achievements. European

institutions still show great diversity in the specifications of academic dress, but American colleges and universities preferred to adopt some definite systems which all could follow. Accordingly, in 1895, at Columbia University, an intercollegiate commission drafted a uniform code for the use of caps, gowns, and hoods. The standards, with few revisions, are still in effect.

At commencement, Saint Leo confers the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The bachelor’s, or baccalaureate degree, takes its name directly from the medieval practice of “bachelors” wearing a garland of bayberries. The master’s degree was equivalent to a license to teach and sometimes was followed by the expressed words Licentia Docendi.

Those holding an associate degree wear a gray gown, while those with a bachelor’s degree wear a black gown fastened at the top and distinguished by long pointed sleeves hanging nearly to the knees. The master’s gown, worn open, has long closed sleeves with an arc of a circle appearing near the bottom and a slit for the arm near the middle of the sleeves. The doctorate gown, usually worn open, is made of silk, faced with a broad strip of velvet, and has three bars of velvet on each sleeve.

A hood made of the same material may be worn with the gown. The master’s hood is three and one-half feet long, faced with a 3-inch strip of velvet; and the doctoral hood is 4-feet long with panels at the sides. The color of the tassel or the velvet strip on the hood indicates the field of study

in which the degree was earned or granted. Each hood also is lined in silk with the colors of the institution that granted the degree.

The appropriate cap for all degrees is the familiar black “mortarboard.” A green and gold tassel with the Saint Leo Lion signet is worn hanging to the left of the face. Those holding a doctorate may wear a soft velvet cap of the color indicating their field of study, or with the mortarboard, may wear a soft tassel of gold thread.

At Saint Leo University, master’s degree hoods are lined with colors representing the graduate’s course of study as follows:

• Master of Accounting: drab

• Master of Arts in Creative Writing: white

• Master of Arts in Theology: scarlet

• Master of Business Administration: drab

• Master of Education: light blue

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice: midnight blue

• Master of Science in Critical Incident Management: gold

• Master of Science in Cybersecurity: gold

• Master of Science in Emergency Disaster Management: gold

• Master of Science in Human Services: citron

• Master of Science in Instructional Design: gold

• Master of Social Work: citron

Our Education Specialist graduates don doctoral robes with light blue hoods, while our Doctor of Business Administration graduates wear drab hoods.

I

38

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest

and most innovative Catholic universities

in the United States. Chartered in 1889

with University Campus located just north of

Tampa, FL, Saint Leo educates nearly 12,000

students at University Campus, at the many

education centers in seven states, and globally

online. Students enrolled at Saint Leo University

may choose from more than 50 academic

programs including bachelor’s degrees, master’s

degrees, doctoral degrees, and pre-professional

and accelerated learning programs.

A private, liberal arts institution, Saint

Leo University offers more than a top quality

education. As a “leading Catholic teaching

university of international consequence,” Saint

Leo offers students personalized attention,

diverse learning opportunities, and a solid

foundation for beginning and continuing life’s

journey.

In addition to the traditional residential

program, weekend undergraduate and graduate

degree programs also are offered at University

Campus. Saint Leo is strategically positioned

in seven states: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi,

South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, California,

and at 32 teaching locations, many on military

installations. Programs at these locations are

designed to serve the needs of adult learners

by offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s

degrees at a Saint Leo education center

conveniently located close to where they live

and work.

Saint Leo also offers online learning options

to adults. Students can take individual classes

or earn complete degrees via the Internet.

With the power of online learning, students

can continue their education during periods

of travel or military deployment, when they

might otherwise need to interrupt their studies.

As one of the largest providers of higher

education to the military, Saint Leo has created

programs that offer active duty military,

veterans, and their families convenient and

easy access to higher education degrees. Saint

Leo University has been proudly serving those

who serve our nation for more than 40 years.

Everywhere it teaches, Saint Leo offers

an integrated learning environment dedicated

to the traditional values of our Benedictine

founders. By every measure, Saint Leo

University is leading the way for the future of

higher education.

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Music by Jeffery R. SmithLyrics by Kurt Van Wilt (1948 - 2016)

Saint Leo Alma Mater

(continued on next page)

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Special thanks to the bagpipers for leading the procession of candidates, which has been

a tradition at commencement for more than 20 years. Saint Leo University is also pleased

to welcome the members of the Brass Menagerie, led by Ken Watts. They have provided

live music for commencement exercises for more than 25 years. Many thanks to the Saint

Leo University ROTC Color Guard for participating in today’s ceremony.

The views expressed during this event are those of the speaker/presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of the university.

Special thanks to the bagpipers for leading the procession of candidates, which has been

a tradition at commencement for more than 20 years. Saint Leo University is also pleased

to welcome the members of the Brass Menagerie, led by Ken Watts. They have provided

live music for commencement exercises for more than 25 years. Many thanks to the Saint

Leo University ROTC Color Guard for participating in today’s ceremony.

The views expressed during this event are those of the speaker/presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of the university.

Commencement Ceremony Class of 2019 - Saint Leo University PDFs and...4 Commencement Ceremony Bagpipers Faculty Marshal Dr. Moneque Walker-Pickett Professor of Criminal Justice Processional

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